With Spring turning to summer and the school year winding down, here are three ideas of things to do in Armonk and three more to do around Westchester County in May…and for some, in June and beyond.
In Town
1. Get to the pool. Now is a good time to get your swimming gear from the attic. The North Castle Pool opens on Saturday, May 28, with the town holding an opening day event with free admission, a DJ, music, and pool contests. Free snacks will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pool season runs until September.
2. Go (back) to the theater. In our last issue, we listed some of the great upcoming performances on the stage in Armonk. The next couple months will give you even more chances to check out your local theaters. Hudson Stage Company’s “Animals Out of Paper,” a love story about a high school teacher and an origami artist, runs until May 14 at Whippoorwill Hall Theatre at the North Castle Library. The following weekend, on May 20 and 21, Lighthouse Youth Theatre will perform “Urinetown” (LYT will perform “Legally Blonde” the following month, June 10-12). From June 3 to 11, you can catch The Armonk Players performance of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” as three actors put on the Bard’s 37 plays in 97 laughter-filled minutes. Finally, catch Spotlight Theatre Company’s production of “The Producers” June 17-26.
3. Check out your first ‘First Thursday.’ If you’ve never been to Armonk’s ‘First Thursday’ celebration’s before, this spring is the perfect time to enjoy a wonderful local event for the whole family that helps promote commerce. Held on the first Thursday of each month (for this issue, May 5 and June 2), live entertainment is provided in the Hamlet’s downtown from 5 to 9 p.m.; many businesses will offer promotions. First Thursdays are hosted by the Armonk Chamber of Commerce.
Around the County
1. Visit Playland. Not all communities are lucky enough to have an amusement park like Rye Playland just a 20-minute drive away. Whether it’s been years since your last trip to the 88-year-old amusement park or just a few months, now’s the time to go back. Opening day at the park is Saturday, May 7, so you won’t have to wait long to ride the Dragon Coaster again.
2. Embrace local arts. Just as you don’t have to go to Manhattan to see great theater, there’s no need to cross the county line to explore New York’s art scene. For starters, make your way to White Plains for ArtsWestchester’s exhibit “SHE: Deconstructing Female Identity.” The exhibit, which opened in March to celebrate Women’s History Month, is on display through June 25. Also check out the Neuberger Museum of Art in Purchase, the Clay Art Center in Port Chester, the Canfin Gallery in Tarrytown, the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, and the Katonah Museum of Art.
3. Go hiking. Last issue, we mentioned Betsy Sluder Nature Preserve off Old Route 22 as a great spot for hiking, and if you haven’t made it to the trail yet, it should be high on your list. But Betsy Sluder is just one of many great hiking trails in Westchester. You can also head to Peekskill to try Anthony’s Nose, one of the area’s best trails leading to a beautiful view of the Bear Mountain Bridge. Then, make your way through the Cranberry Lake Preserve in New Castle, next to the Kensico Reservoir. Yorktown’s Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center is another great option. For a list of hiking trails throughout Westchester,visit
parks.westchestergov.com.
The writer is a lifelong Westchester resident and the guest editor of Inside Armonk Magazine.